In recent decades, more and more medical specialists have shown the potential benefits of their research, including help with weight loss, improve immune health, etc. Here this guide will help you to choose the best green teas, and enjoy your next cup of green teas.

About Green Tea

Green tea originated in China, and its history can be retrospected from Tang Dynasty.

This is one kind of tea that is made from Camellia sinensis leaves. This is a species of evergreen shrub & small trees in the flowering plant Theaceae family, the leaves and leaf buds are used to produce this tea.

The same buds which not performed with withering and oxidation processes are used to make oolong teas and black teas. 

It has many variants in terms of growing conditions, horticultural methods, production processing, and time of harvest.

The classic Green teas from China are Longjing, Bi Luo Chun, Anji Bai, Huang Shan Mao Feng, Luan Gua Pian, Taiping Kow Kui, Meitan Cui Ya, Mengding Ganlu, etc.

A lot of research and evidence proved that drinking green tea has many effects on human health. Meanwhile, the brewing tea process is also regarded as one important ceremony when serving guests in China.

The major producers are Japan and China. In Japan, it is an important content of traditional tea ceremonies.

When we talk about green tea, mostly refer to 2 major subcategories: Japanese and Chinese green teas.

Japanese green teas are shade-grown during the last few weeks of cultivation. They are also steam-dried resulting in a vegetal and herbaceous flavor. Japanese green teas tend to be sweeter and more floral than Chinese green teas.

Chinese green teas are roasted or pan-fired, developing a toasted flavor. This type of green tea tends to be earthier and has a more robust taste than Japanese varieties. Their leaves are generally grown in sunlight during the entire process. The leaves are also rolled into tiny pellets to create some of the most famous green teas known as Gunpowder Green tea.

What Benefits of Green Tea

1. Weight Loss

Green tea is actually a known weight loss tool. In reality, it is a very common component in weight loss recipes as well as supplements. That is because research shows that their extract might make it possible to accelerate weight loss when paired with a nutritious diet and regular exercise.

This tea works by speeding up metabolism and encouraging the breakdown of fat.

These weight reduction benefits have been discovered to be a lot more pronounced in specific ethnicities. Individuals of Asian showed increased levels of weight reduction compared to those from Caucasian backgrounds

2. Energy Boost

Green tea has a reasonable level of caffeine which may help increase energy. In addition to caffeine, additionally has an amino acid known as L-theanine, which can help to impede the absorption of caffeine, resulting in a longer-lasting energy kick. Additionally, it would mean that drinking green tea will not include side effects like energy surges as well as crashes that are likely to accompany a cup of coffee. The consequences of L-theanine helps to enhance attention and focus while simultaneously keeping calm.

3. Antioxidant-Rich

A lot of the advantages of green tea extract come from high levels of effective antioxidants. It has catechins which help to fight free radicals. Free radicals are able to lead to oxidative stress by interacting abnormally with wholesome cells. Oxidative stress has been connected to a multitude of issues from early aging to heart problems.

4. May Aid in the Treatment of Diabetes

Green tea might be helpful in the healing of type two diabetes when coupled with modern medicine. Animal scientific studies have revealed that their catechins might make it possible to modulate blood glucose levels. It also boasts anti-inflammatory properties which might help to avoid some complications related to diabetes.

The Best Green Teas in Japan

Green tea is available in tea bags and loose-leaf tea as well. Loose teas tend to have better benefits since they consist of the entire tea leaves. Tea bags also limit the ability of tea leaves to expand, resulting in a degraded taste.

Sencha

Sencha green tea is considered one of the top Japanese teas. It’s often served in Japanese restaurants and features a flavor with hints of melon and pine. The taste of sencha trends towards a light sweetness and grassy notes.

There are several subcategories of sencha tea including Asamushi and Fukamushi. The differences arise in the different durations of steaming when the leaves are dried. Asamushi varieties are lightly steamed, resulting in a pale color and sweet taste.  Fukamushi is more heavily steamed and features an earthy flavor more similar to Chinese green teas.

Matcha

Matcha is a Japanese tea known for its seaweed notes and vegetal flavor. Matcha tea is a green tea powder that can be brewed using simply hot water or as a latte with the addition of milk. Matcha is a special type of green tea in that the entire tea leaf is consumed since the tea is brewed as a powder.

Matcha green tea powder delivers a rich, creamy texture. The tea is brewed by whisking the powder and water using a traditional bamboo whisk known as a chase. The tea should be whisked in a vigorous zig-zag motion for the best flavor and consistency. The tea is also consumed using a wide-brimmed bowl known as a chawan. The wide opening allows the tea drinker to fully enjoy the aroma and flavor of the tea experience.

Genmaicha

Genmaicha green tea is a Japanese blend of green tea leaves infused with popped rice kernels. The rice adds a toasted flavor to the sweet and vegetal notes of the green tea leaves. The tea delivers a flavor that is similar to mild coffee. This type of green tea also has a fuller body than other lighter green teas.

Gunpowder Green Tea

Gunpowder tea is a Chinese tea known for its unique pellet-like shape. The leaves are gently rolled into small pellets that resemble the look of gun pellets. Gunpowder green tea has a strong flavor with smoky notes. This tea is a great choice for warming up on a cold winter day.

The Best Green Teas in China

Longjing

Longjing tea is also famous as Dragon Well tea. It is considered among the best tea in China. Also is one of the highest-quality green teas available. Dragon Well boasts a nutty flavor and a rich, herbaceous body. Mostly Dragon Well tea is produced in Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.

Depending on the production process, the tea may include notes of peas, asparagus, and nuts. High-quality Longjing leaves should be short and round and feature a light fuzz on the leaves. Look for varieties that are pale green or light yellow in color for optimal freshness.

Other classic Green teas from China are Longjing, Bi Luo Chun, Anji Bai, Huang Shan Mao Feng, Luan Gua Pian, Taiping Kow Kui, Meitan Cui Ya, Mengding Ganlu, etc.

Tips For Brew Green Tea

Tip 1. Temperature

The top priority for brewing green teas is temperature. The proper water temperature can makes green tea bitter flavors when using boiling water.

Instead, use water between 150 ℉and 170℉. Spring teas and delicate green teas should be brewed on the lower end of the temperature spectrum.

Tip 2. Organic

If possible, choosing organic green teas is better than non-organic. Organic teas are grown without chemical fertilizers and pesticides that can alter the flavor of teas. You can look for high-quality teas which are non-GMO and pesticide-free.

Always talk to a healthcare professional before using tea or a green tea extract for potential health benefits. Even European certifications and American USDA-certified organic teas can have side effects and cause interactions with certain medications.

In General, Green tea offers potential health benefits such as aiding in weight loss and boosting immunity.

Explore various varieties of green tea and kickstart your brewing journey today!